WXXI BIDS FAREWELL TO HOMEWORK HOTLINE HOST CAROL SMITH WITH A SPECIAL 1370 CONNECTION TRIBUTE SHOW ON OCTOBER 27TH

(Rochester, New York) October 21, 2010 – Homework Hotline,WXXI’s live statewide call-in show where kids receive help with homework problems right on the air, will say goodbye to its co-creator and veteran host, Carol Smith. After 20 years helping thousands of children with their homework, she is retiring from the program. On Wednesday, October 27 at 12 noon on AM 1370/AM-HD91.5-2 WXXI’s Bob Smith and Elissa Orlando will be joined by Smith for a special edition of 1370 Connection. Smith will share her stories about how the program came to fruition, what it has been like doing a live show for the last two decades, what her favorite calls have been, and what she’ll miss most about Homework Hotline.

An educator for more than 30 years, Smith joined forces with WXXI to create Homework Hotline in 1990. She is also one of the founders of Rochester’s Dial-A-Teacher Program, which is funded by the New York State United Teachers and the Rochester Teachers Association. She has taught all grades K-6, including Major Achievement Program in Rochester City Schools. Smith retired from the Rochester City School District in June 2004.

Designed for children in grades four through 12,Homework Hotline provides the tools students need to succeed with homework, and supports academic achievement across a variety of New York State Learning Standards. In addition to providing homework help, Homework Hotline presents daily thematic segments on health, animals, book reviews, history, environment issues, and people and places in New York State. The program also hosts a companion Website at <homeworkhotline.org>, which earned a 2008 Parents’ Choice Award. The Award honors the best material for children: books, toys, music, and storytelling, magazines, software, videogames, television, and Websites.

Produced by WXXI Public Broadcasting in Rochester, New York, Homework Hotline received numerous awards with Smith as host, including nine New York State Broadcasters Association awards for best program or series designed for children, plus a 2010 My Source Education Innovation Award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Silver Telly, Bronze Telly, and an Aurora award. Homework Hotline is funded in part by the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).

###
WXXI is the essential, life-long educational media resource for the Greater Rochester area. WXXI puts the community first with programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, opens cultural horizons and promotes understanding of diverse community issues. Log on to wxxi.org for more information about our services and programs.